The Grenada gazette., 1887-10-22

him for extra efforts in faithfully car
rying out their wishes.
Howard was highly eiated as he
took this news to his mother and she
was fairly overjoyed at the success he'
boy was achieving. She felt that in
deed, her hopes were to be realized,
and that she would have but q shor
time to wait for their fulfillment.
About this time Howard was Begin
ming to feel more than ever the annoy
ing influences of Dick Bray and his
companions. His success made them
all the more eager to hold him among
their numbers.
"That young Bent is feelin' too big
of late to 'sociate with us fellers, "
D elk said one evening to his chums.
But I'll bring him ter time, see +
don't. I'll blow on him 'f'e don't
look out. know enough bout him
to send him a-kitin' from that store any
day o the week"
"But then." he continued, Il don't
know as l care for him ter leave the
store; I've got use for him there, if
he'll only be a little more social. But
I'll scare him little all the same.''
1t was not long before he limited
such threats to Howard, and saw that
he had strong power over him. lie
now began to visit the store often, and
annoyed the young clerk great deal
by the familiarity shown there under
the eyes of his employers. On several
occasions Howard limited quite plainly
that these visits were unwelcome, but
to no purpose. He then resorted to
plans. and even to compromises which
he would not for the world have had
known to his mother Or employers.
In spite of himself he could not he lp
Dicks society when they
were by themselves. Ho was fascinat-
ed by recklessness of speech and ac-
ton Of which he could by no means
approve. When away from this in
Iluence he often wished that he might
never see Dick Bray again. But he
had not the courage to shake him off.
He was afraid of him-afraid of the
hreats he had made. So. instead of
;aking the one manly, open course, he
irifted on, getting more and more into
Dicks power
One evening Mr. Jones had been
away, and on his return had occasion
o pass the store some two hours after
dosing time. To shorten the distance
le went through an alley leading past
he rear Of his place Of business. AS
le neared the store coarse laugh
ell upon his ears. H. stopped and
istened, but could hear nothing more.
As he was about to go OH his eye
'anght a small ray of light coming
rom Howard's window The shutters
we're closed, but this light found its
way through a small crevice at the
op. Mr.. Jones stepped softly to the
window and listened. He could ear low
7olces within, showing plainly that his
'lerk was not alone Making use OF
,ox near by he then climbed up so that
lis eye was close to the crack at the
op of the shutter What he saw
within surprised him beyond measure.
There sat Howard Bent and Dick Bray
1t the table. Each had cigar in his
mouth, and a game Of cards was in
,rogress. Mr. Jones could hardly be-
ieve that the scene before him was
eal. Such breach of trust by a boy
Who had seemed so full of honor and
worthy Of confidence! The plan which
'e thought would add so much to the
esurity of his property was boing
used to double its dam
,er. His surprise and perplexity were
irving way to anger He dropped to
he ground, took a key from his pock-
It, and the next moment stood before
he astonished couple.
"This is the way you keep faith with
our employers, is itP" said Mr. Jones,
ookipg straight at his clerk without
lotic1ng the presence of Dick Bray.
Howard could not speak. His com.
'anion had slipped out at the door and
led.
1T seems you have nothing to say"
continued Mr.. Jones, and it is lust as
veil. Words would be useless. Your
hosen companion is probably skulk-
ng about tho alley waiting for you.
lou can Join him as soon as you
,lcase To- c-morrow we will settle with
'ou, and will have no further use for
our services
Howard passed out without word.
III the finer qualities Of his nature
ose in judgment against him. His
was unhardened and ac-
i've. The distressed face which ho
astencd to hide in the darkness bore
igns CT the deepest humiliation, shame
nd regret.
In the stern. practical eyes Of the
nan Of business tho boy had committed
n objectionable offensc. He saw no
eason why human figures should not
ct with the same mathematical pre-
ision as those on tho pages Of his
pdrer. The success Of his business